Innovative construction materials are emerging to solve various issues in the industry like reducing carbon footprint, enhancing strength and durability of structures or offering cost benefits. From translucent wood to self-healing concrete, these new materials are proving to be valuable to builders and contractors.
Bio-plastics, made from renewable resources like sugarcane or vegetable oils, can replace traditional plastics and are compostable. Another innovative material is cross-laminated timber that is stronger than traditional wood.
1. Bio-plastic
Bioplastics offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional building materials. They are derived from renewable resources and can be recycled, thus minimizing their environmental impact. Furthermore, they require less energy to be produced than conventional plastics and can decompose naturally.
For the construction sector, this offers a potential solution to its main problem of excessive waste production. Additionally, they can be integrated into a circular economy model. This involves using different cycles for the re-use of discarded products, thereby limiting the use of totally new raw materials and minimizing the amount of discarded waste.
However, not all bio-plastics are created equal. While plant based bio-plastics like corn starch are great for packaging and other short term plastic products, they would not be suitable as long-term construction materials. The best bio-plastics for building are made from cellulose such as wood and plant fibres. These are extremely strong, have high mechanical strength and can be printed in a wide range of shapes. They can also be drilled, laminated, laser cut and thermoformed. Additionally, they can be reinforced with conductive, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, expanding their potential uses.
2. Cross-laminated timber
A form of engineered wood, cross-laminated timber is being used in building projects all over the world. Also referred to as massive timber, it is a relatively new heavy timber construction material that can replace concrete and steel in many cases. It is made from layers of solid wood panels bonded together using structural adhesives at alternating right angles. It can be fabricated to custom sizes and is being increasingly used for large floor, roof and wall slabs.
The increasing popularity of CLT means more builders will have access to this innovative, renewable construction material. It uses less energy than concrete and steel to produce, and its carbon-reducing impact goes beyond the sustainable forests that produce it and the stored carbon those trees lock away.
The ability to prefabricate CLT panels in a factory reduces the time spent on site, leading to faster construction and less disruption for local residents around buildings sites. The result is lower operating costs and a higher level of quality control over the final structure. CLT is the wood construction product of choice for architects who are looking to build greener, more beautiful buildings that can stand up to seismic events.
3. Bio-based cement
The production of building materials accounts for 7% of global CO2 emissions. This could be significantly reduced by using renewable and sustainable alternatives, such as bio-based cement.
Bio-concrete uses microorganisms to bind soil particles together and create strong, durable structures. This material is more eco-friendly than conventional concrete, with a lower environmental impact and improved indoor air quality. Furthermore, bio-concrete is able to be shaped into different shapes and forms, opening up new design opportunities.
Scientists have been working on the use of microbial cement for quite some time now, with some studies showing impressive results. For example, a study by Bernardi et al. [17] showed that the use of sulphate-reducing bacteria S. pasteurii in sand resulted in a brick with a compressive strength of 2 MPa.
The company BioMason – founded by Ginger Krieg Dosier and Michael Dosier, CEO and CFO, respectively – is taking things a step further. The company ‘grows’ its own sustainable cement by combining limestone, clay and other minerals with microorganisms. The microbial cement is then used as an admixture in traditional concrete mixes, resulting in a more eco-friendly product with enhanced workability, strength and water demand.
4. Bio-based concrete
Concrete is the most widely used material on the planet, with a global market worth an estimated $5 trillion. But this building staple has a major environmental footprint. Cement production alone accounts for 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, causing pollution and destabilizing eco-systems. Innovators are seeking ways to make concrete more sustainable and durable without sacrificing its versatility.
One solution is bio-based concrete. This version of concrete uses sand and bacteria, instead of limestone and cement. When a crack forms, the bacterium is activated to produce limestone that fills the crack, making the concrete self-healing. This can reduce the need for mining raw materials and reducing maintenance costs.
The material can also be made using locally-sourced materials, reducing transportation greenhouse gas emissions and increasing sustainability. Moreover, it can be mixed with other natural resins and binders to create wood composites or insulation materials. This construction approach can improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency, and support local economies. It is a promising way to reduce the negative impact of construction on the environment.
5. Bio-based insulation
Bio-based insulation is a sustainable solution that uses renewable and eco-friendly materials. It provides superior thermal performance and helps reduce energy consumption in buildings, thereby lowering overall operating costs. Additionally, it creates a healthier living environment by eliminating harmful chemicals and allergens.
Using bio-based insulation also cuts down on landfill waste. It can be made from natural fibers, such as sheep’s wool and cotton or agricultural byproducts, like olive stones and apricot pits. The latter is a particularly versatile option because it can be made into granular form, making it flexible and adaptable to the shape of any space, unlike traditional batts or blankets.
Additionally, these materials have low embodied energy—the total amount of energy needed to extract, process, and manufacture a building material. This is an important factor in reducing the carbon footprint of buildings and creating a greener future. Moreover, bio-based insulation is often produced locally, supporting local farmers and industries and stimulating economic development.